It took firefighters nearly three hours to haul the trapped elevator operator and two mechanics out of the 261-foot deep shaft. The firefighters emerged covered in grime.

Emergency staff examined the Con Ed workers on the scene. All three were taken to Jacobi Medical Center, although none suffered serious injuries.

According to Local 1-2 Utility Workers Union of America business agent Bruce Farina, one worker stayed at Jacobi overnight for observation. The three workers were on their way down to repair an access tunnel. When the elevator malfunctioned and stopped, they used an elevator phone to call for help.